解题
### Nutritive Value and Structural Components of Eggs (Max 7 marks)
* **Proteins:** Eggs contain High Biological Value (HBV) protein, containing all essential amino acids. *Ovalbumin* is the main protein found in egg white, while *vitellin* is found in the yolk. These are essential for growth and repair.
* **Fats:** Present only in the yolk, in an easily digestible emulsified form. Contains both saturated fat and cholesterol, as well as essential fatty acids.
* **Vitamins:** Egg yolk is an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins A (for vision and skin), D (for calcium absorption), and E (antioxidant). B-group vitamins (especially riboflavin, \(B_2\)) are present in both the white and the yolk.
* **Minerals:** Excellent source of iron (in the yolk, essential for haemoglobin formation), phosphorus, and calcium (mostly in the shell, but some in the yolk).
* **Water:** Egg white is high in water content (around 88%), while yolk contains about 50% water.
* **Lack of nutrients:** Eggs completely lack Vitamin C and dietary fibre (NSP).
* **Shell:** A porous protective outer layer composed of calcium carbonate, which allows gas exchange.
* **Membranes:** Double membrane inside the shell protecting the contents from bacterial contamination.
* **Chalazae:** Spiral bands of twisted albumen that anchor the yolk in the centre of the egg.
* **Air Space:** Found at the broad end of the egg between the membranes; grows larger as the egg loses moisture over time.
### Culinary Functions of Eggs in Food Preparation (Max 8 marks)
* **Aeration / Trapping Air:** When egg white is whisked, the protein denatures and stretches to trap air bubbles, forming a foam. Example: meringues, soufflés, Swiss rolls.
* **Binding:** As egg proteins heat up, they coagulate (set) and hold dry ingredients together. Example: rissoles, meatballs, fish cakes.
* **Coating:** Beaten egg is used to coat food, acting as an adhesive so breadcrumbs or flour stick. It coagulates during cooking to form a protective seal that prevents fat absorption. Example: fried fish, Scotch eggs.
* **Emulsification:** Egg yolk contains lecithin, a natural emulsifier that prevents immiscible liquids (like oil and water/vinegar) from separating. Example: mayonnaise, Hollandaise sauce.
* **Thickening:** Egg proteins coagulate and thicken liquid mixtures at temperatures between \(60^\circ\text{C}\) and \(70^\circ\text{C}\). Example: baked egg custard, sauces.
* **Glazing:** Egg wash (beaten egg or egg mixed with milk) brushed onto pastries caramelizes and shines when baked. Example: scones, sausage rolls, pies.
* **Enrichment:** Eggs increase the overall nutritional profile of a dish. Example: fresh pasta dough, enriched yeast dough (brioche).
* **Garnishing:** Hard-boiled eggs are sliced or wedged to add color and decorative appeal to dishes. Example: salads, nicoise salad.
评分标准
Award 1 mark for each valid point up to a maximum of 15 marks.
**Nutritive Value and Structural Components (Max 7 marks):**
* HBV protein / ovalbumin / vitellin;
* Fat / cholesterol in yolk;
* Fat-soluble vitamins A / D / E in yolk;
* B-group vitamins / \(B_2\) in white/yolk;
* Minerals: Iron / calcium / phosphorus;
* High water content in white;
* Shell (protective, calcium carbonate);
* Inner/outer membranes (bacterial barrier);
* Chalazae (anchors yolk);
* Air space (enlarges with age);
* (Note: No Vitamin C or dietary fibre/NSP in eggs).
**Culinary Functions (Max 8 marks - 1 mark for function + explanation, 1 mark for example):**
* Aeration: Egg white traps air when whisked (e.g. meringues / soufflés / sponge cakes);
* Binding: Coagulation holds ingredients together (e.g. rissoles / fishcakes / burgers);
* Coating: Egg acts as adhesive for breadcrumbs, sealing food during frying (e.g. Scotch eggs / fried fish);
* Emulsification: Lecithin in yolk keeps oil and water combined (e.g. mayonnaise / Hollandaise);
* Thickening: Proteins coagulate to thicken liquids (e.g. custard / sauces);
* Glazing: Brushed egg shines and browns dough during baking (e.g. scones / pastry / buns);
* Enrichment: Increases nutrient value (e.g. fresh pasta / brioche);
* Garnishing: Adds colour and visual appeal (e.g. salads).